In the News

Violent collisions in the NFL are getting more attention from players, journalists and medical professionals — and for good reason. We're just beginning to grasp the effects that repeated big hits can have on the brain, and a troubling series of violent deaths of current and former pros has only raised the stakes for trying to understand how to manage the damage players do to themselves and one another.
But what about tackle football at the youth level? Surely, slamming into one another over and over can't be good for growing bodies either, right?
Well, longtime helmet-maker Riddell may have just come up with an innovative solution to track and minimize the damage to young players' brains.

The NFL has tried a number of tactics to help reduce players’ head injuries and concussions, including pushing kickoffs up five yards and requiring medical clearance before game time. It was only a matter of time before technology could step in and make a difference.
Now, it looks like that time has come, at least on the youth level. Riddell, maker of the official helmet of the NFL, has announced its latest innovation, and it could be good news for football players across the country.

If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Von Miller or listening to him speak off the field, you'd have known the Denver Broncos linebacker is one of the good guys. The former Texas A&M (and DeSoto (Texas) High) football player may play with a mean streak on the field, but off it, he's quite possibly one of the nicest around -- a humble guy who gives back to his community whenever he can.

There’s no such thing as too much safety when it comes to football helmets. Helmet manufacturers work tirelessly on developing the latest technologies to prevent concussions and all forms of head trauma, and Riddell’s newest helmet, The Riddell 360, might be the best yet.

The most significant innovation in helmet technology for our team was the ability to pump air into our hard hat, like a basketball, for enhanced cushioning. This was in 1997. I realized how much has really changed once I opened up this Riddell 360. Helmets have been evolving over the years, we’ve all noticed that, taking on more aerodynamic structures.

Held in conjunction with helmet maker Riddell, Chartis Insurance and the NFL, the tour will include as many as 1,500 youth football players, parents, coaches, medical and training personnel. It will feature proper tackling drills, helmet fitting, concussion awareness and management sessions.

The governing body for youth football in this country will stage the tour at four NFL team facilities, focusing on educating players and their families, coaches and others on preventive safety measures for young athletes...